Vacuum-assisted Breast Biopsy

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Vacuum-assisted breast biopsy, also called VABB, is a procedure to diagnose lumps in the breast. It is a type of needle breast biopsy where tissue samples are checked for cancer. It uses a needle probe to suction the tissue samples and an imaging procedure as a guide. Before the procedure, pictures taken by stereotaxis or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will help locate the lump. Caregivers may watch on a screen while doing the biopsy using an ultrasound as a guide.
  
  
• Vacuum-assisted breast biopsy is used to diagnose small lumps and lumps that are deep or cannot be felt. It also allows large amounts of tissue to be taken. Many samples may also be collected without the need to insert the probe more than once. With VABB, your breast lesions may be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

Having a vacuum-assisted breast biopsy carries certain risks. You may have bruising or discomfort in the area where the biopsy was done. You may bleed more than usual or get an infection. If a nerve is hit, an abnormal reflex may occur. This may cause a slowing of heartbeat, decreased blood pressure, loss of consciousness, or too much sweating. If you do not have the breast biopsy, you may have cancer and not know it. Call your caregiver if you are worried or have questions about your biopsy or care.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Before your procedure:

• Informed consent: A consent form is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
  
  
• IV: Caregivers may insert an intravenous tube (IV) into your vein. A vein in the arm is usually chosen. Through the IV tube, you may be given liquids and medicine.
  
  
• Local anesthesia: Medicine is used to numb the area of your body where the surgery or procedure will be done. It is usually injected into the skin. It also may be given as a gel or jelly applied to your gums for dental procedures or as a patch. For such areas as the genitals, medicine may be given as a cream on the skin or mucus membranes.

During your procedure:

• You may see large x-ray machines and other equipment inside the room. You may be positioned upright or asked to lie face down on a special table. Your breast is placed through a hole in the table and lightly pressed. A caregiver then cleans your breast and the area around it with a cleansing solution. A small incision (cut) is made in your skin. The needle probe is inserted through the incision and moved to the area where the lump is located.
  
  
• Suction is used to pull the tissues into the probe. A cutting device within the probe cuts the tissues and the sample is collected. Caregivers may then turn the probe to get tissue from another area. This may be done several times. When enough samples have been taken, the probe is taken out. A tiny surgical clip may be placed to mark the area where the tissue was removed. This clip will show up on mammograms but will not set off metal detectors. Pressure is applied to the area and the incision covered with a bandage. The samples collected are sent to a lab for tests.

After your procedure:

A small bandage is put over the incision. This helps keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection. You may be asked to wear a device around your chest. This puts pressure on the biopsy area and helps to stop any bleeding. You will be taken to a dressing room to change back into your clothes. You will then be allowed to go home.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Vacuum-assisted Breast Biopsy (Inpatient Care)